Preparing Your Pet For Summer Emergencies

Summertime is heading our way in Basking Ridge, NJ! As the temperature gets warmer, we tend to spend more time outside with our pets. With more time outside, it’s important to be prepared for summer emergencies that can come your way. If the worst should happen, Basking Ridge Animal Hospital offers emergency services to our clients. Please call our standard phone line 908-766-4211 to be patched to the doctor on call for the evening/Sunday. The veterinarian on call can meet you at the hospital to examine your pet. Your pet’s wellbeing means a lot to us, and that why we’ve prepared these tips for you.

Officially, there are 22 species of snakes recognized in New Jersey, with two of them being poisonous. Snakes like to sun themselves on trails, but they’ll also hide in fallen timber, pine straw, and brush. When dogs sniff through these areas, they are at risk of getting bitten on the face, neck, or front legs. If you notice any of the following snake bite signs, take your pet to a veterinarian immediately:

Puncture marks

Bruising or swelling

Dizziness

Weakness

Nausea

Rapid breathing

Muscle tremors

Even if your pet is bitten by a non-venomous snake, the wound can become infected, so all snake bites should receive prompt medical attention.

It’s not snakes you need to worry about! Make sure your pets are kept in an enclosed space and protected when outside.

When pets spend more time outside, they have more opportunities to escape. Running free and roaming the streets may feel like an adventure, but it puts them at great risk of being lost, getting into a fight, or getting hit by a car. The blunt trauma of getting hit by a car can cause a number of injuries, including:

Abrasions and loss of skin

Broken bones

Organ damage

Head trauma

Internal injuries and blood loss

Take steps to prevent your pup from escaping. Ensure the gates of your yard are securely closed to keep your dog safely confined, and keep your pet inside during outdoor gatherings when guests will be coming and going. When taking part in outdoor activities, like camping or hiking, keep your dog on a leash.

Preparation is key to keeping your pet safe during the summer. Keep our phone number and the phone numbers of nearby emergency veterinary hospitals accessible at all times. The team as Basking Ridge Animal Hospital will be here when you need us.